Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Harper’s Bazaar Russia « Nicole Richie official web site

Check out Cover Shot & Peek Inside March Issue ->Harper’s Bazaar Russia « Nicole Richie official web site – photos, videos, blog, news, bio

Family Dinner Together

I started thinking about the family night dinners that my family would have where we all sat down at the table for dinner. Both my parents worked, but I remember us having many nights of dinners together. I always enjoyed setting the table which was my favorite thing to do and making sure the napkins were folded just right. My Dad, Mom, Brother, and Me would sit down for family dinners together and have conversations about our day, current events, or any topic. I know that families are busier with long work hours, athletic activities, and other events that have taken the place of families being able to all sit down for dinner together.

I may be feeling a bit nostalgic, but wanted to share the importance of slowing down and planning at least one night of the week where the entire family prepares dinner or orders takeout for a sit down dinner together. I know we're all wired into the internet in our rooms and offices at home which is sometimes where our dinners are eaten as we continue to check tweets, texts, emails, and Facebook status updates. Let's turn the many electronic devices off and come to the table to reconnect with family members. You may be surprised at just what's happening in their lives.

I see great nights of engagement and fun!

Flabby Fido: More Than Half of America's Pets Are Overweight

Grab the Leash, Start Walking ->Flabby Fido: More Than Half of America's Pets Are Overweight, Time.com

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Rachael Ray vs. the Food World

Great Q&A ->Rachael Ray vs. the Food World, The Daily Beast

Exercise Tidbit

Don't forget that the stairs in your home are an excellent way to exercise. You walk up and down them everyday, but you can also set aside 10-15 minutes of exercise on the stairs to make it more of an exercise routine. If you live in an apartment especially on the 2nd or 3rd floors, you get plenty of exercise by walking up and down the stairs daily. I remember those days! Just think how shapely your legs and butt will be when the spring & summer seasons roll around and shorts become part of your wardrobe picks. Get Ready!

Darius Rucker - This

Check out Music Video ->Darius Rucker - This: "Charleston, SC 1966"

JLo's Official Album Cover on Twitpic

See It! ->I know some of u have seen it..for those who haven't - m... on Twitpic

Monday, February 21, 2011

Colin Smith - Love - Singersroom Media Player

Listen to this New Artist Produced by Swizz Beatz ->Colin Smith - Love - Singersroom Media Player

Gallery | Coca-Cola execs drawn to European-style house | ajchomefinder.com

Take a Look ->Gallery | Coca-Cola execs drawn to European-style house | ajchomefinder.com

The Buzziest Pop-Up Restaurants

Pop into these Trendy Spots, but Hurry ->The Buzziest Pop-Up Restaurants, The Daily Beast

Black History Month

The month of February is celebrated as Black History Month. I always look forward to learning about notable people and events from the past and present who helped shape the world we know today. I have been visiting many websites around the internet that have feature stories, music, fashion, and more during this month's celebration.

One such website is TheBlackTechReport which has been featuring "28 Days of Black History in Technology." I have learned a great deal about important African Americans and their higher education goals, inventions and patents that are in use today. Take a look at the website and I think you will find the features fascinating.

Also, GQ Magazine has a slide show called "Birth of Cool: 20 Black Style Pioneers" which features some very stylish African Americans. Over at Essence Magazine, click on their Black History Month button and find many great reads, galleries, and more. Plus, there is an exciting feature on "The 25 Most Influential Black American Leaders of All Time" on theGrio.

The month of February does not have to be the only time we celebrate black history. We can learn about it everyday!

Friday, February 18, 2011

Getting ready for the @NBAAllstar weekend. 'Come On Get ... on Twitpic

Check Out Lenny Kravitz ->Getting ready for the @NBAAllstar weekend. 'Come On Get ... on Twitpic

Kelis - Guilty - Singersroom Media Player

Nice New Song, Listen to It ->Kelis - Guilty - Singersroom Media Player

Sticker Shock ->Grocery Prices

Happy Friday! The clouds are moving out and sunshine is moving in, I dig! The aroma from the coffee container when I popped off the lid was so refreshing. I am enjoying my two cups this morning. When I went to the grocery store the other day, I really got a dose of sticker shock at the food prices on just about everything. I have been reading and watching the news about how food and energy prices have gone up. The price of tomatoes which are a huge favorite were $2.98/lb, Yikes! Don't get me started on the prices for fruits and vegetables. I enjoy eating healthy and plan to continue, but my fave salad and sandwich toppings will be cut a bit smaller to make them go a longer way.

I can only imagine that families are having a tough time with their food budgets given the higher prices at the grocery stores. We all want our families to eat healthy and hopefully the healthier choices can still be put into the shopping cart. As I have mentioned before, if you are able to buy more non-perishable items during your grocery shopping, take them to your nearest food bank so that they can continue to provide food boxes for the needy. I wanted to post this blog topic today since many people grocery shop on the weekend.

Helping others, now that's a good thing!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

This is Fabulous ->John Legend & The Roots-Exclusive Re-Broadcast: Unstaged

Women in the World 2011 -The Daily Beast -

Wonderful, Watch Trailer ->Women in the World 2011 -The Daily Beast -

Gallery | Michael Kors fall fashion show 2011 | accessatlanta.com

So Sharp ->Gallery | Michael Kors fall fashion show 2011 | accessatlanta.com

Tax Refund ->Save It

If you are expecting a tax refund, start thinking about what you will do with the money. The best plan for the refund is to save it. But, there may be some much-needed things that the refund can take care of that you have been putting off due to low cash flow. Here are a few uses for your refund:

--->Home repairs: gutters, painting, new appliances
--->New set of tires or any upkeep for the car
--->Family vacation: spring break, summer vacation, camp

Now is the time to give some thought to just how you will use the refund before it arrives in the mail or checking account. Keep in mind that the 'rainy day' fund comes in mighty handy in a pinch. Save for It!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

10 Apps for Easier Parenting - Children and Media, PBS Parents

Check these Out ->10 Apps for Easier Parenting - Children and Media, PBS Parents

Reuse and Recycle - Sustainable Home Ideas - Stars Go Green - InStyle

Very Eco-Friendly ->Reuse and Recycle - Sustainable Home Ideas - Stars Go Green - InStyle

R. Kelly's Number One | Lopez Tonight

Watch Performance ->R. Kelly's Number One | Lopez Tonight

Frugal Tip of the Day

I read in the news yesterday that clothing prices will probably rise due to the higher cost of cotton. As you know, many clothes are made with cotton fabric. This brings me to my Frugal Tip of the Day:

Make consignment shops, thrift stores, and the Goodwill your shopping spots for buying clothes. I bet many of you already shop at these stores not only for yourself, but the entire family. I can't tell you how many nice items I have found especially at my favorite neighborhood consignment shops. Be frugal and save money by shopping at some of these stores. Your friends and co-workers might just say "I like that outfit you're wearing today."

Monday, February 14, 2011

Etsy Sellers We Love

See their Crafty Skills ->Etsy Sellers We Love, Countryliving.com

How Do They Get Those Tiny Words on Sweethearts Candy?

Sweet ->How Do They Get Those Tiny Words on Sweethearts Candy?, Time.com

Gallery | Grammy Awards 2011 | accessatlanta.com

Great Night in Music ->Gallery | Grammy Awards 2011 | accessatlanta.com

Happy Valentine's Day

What a lovely way to start the week off on Valentine's Day! I bet a lot of people were out and about over the weekend celebrating with loved ones, family and friends. I know the floral shops will be busy delivering bouquets of flowers all around town. If your budget could not swing having flowers delivered to your sweetie's workplace, there are plenty of other places to pick up a dozen roses before heading home or meeting for dinner like Walmart or Walgreens. I think it would be extra sweet to open the door and your date is holding a dozen roses. Before I forget ->Just order one dessert and share it, Very Romantic!

Gallery | Family of five finds space in Marietta update | ajchomefinder.com

Take a Look Inside ->Gallery | Family of five finds space in Marietta update | ajchomefinder.com

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Mini Makeup Palette - Pack Your Perfect Clutch - Every Day is a Red Carpet - Fashion - InStyle

I Like these Ideas ->Mini Makeup Palette - Pack Your Perfect Clutch - Every Day is a Red Carpet - Fashion - InStyle

Fashion Week Photo Journal Bill Gentle Backyard Bill Style: GQ.com

Sharp Looks ->Fashion Week Photo Journal Bill Gentle Backyard Bill Style: GQ.com

First lady says laughter is key to togetherness  | ajc.com

So Right ->First lady says laughter is key to togetherness | ajc.com

How Famous Couples First Met

Sweet ->How Famous Couples First Met, The Daily Beast

Easy Like Sunday Morning

For some reason, I have one of my favorite songs by the group The Commodores in my mind called 'Easy.' The main line sings "it's Easy like Sunday morning." The coffee is warm to go along with this day of ease and reflection. I have the radio tuned to a local station that spins a program every Sunday morning called 'Good News Gospel' and the songs are just that... Good. The lyrics in the songs are inspirational and uplifting. I sing along and praise all the blessings that the Lord has given me never forgetting that the Glory of his love sustains me everyday. Yes Indeed!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Bob Dylan, Dr. Dre added as Grammy performers  | accessAtlanta

Cool ->Bob Dylan, Dr. Dre added as Grammy performers | accessAtlanta

Thoughts on Texting

One of my Facebook friends likes to post inspirational updates mainly about relationships, but on occasion will provide other inspiring updates on other topics. He uses a lot of texting shortcuts for his updates and I believe he uses a mobile device so that may the reason. I will admit to being a bit "old school" and it really shows when it comes to reading text messages. I sometimes wish I could rewrite the messages and spell the words out in their entirety. It would sure make those inspiring words flow more easily.

I admit that I did not know for quite awhile what 'LOL' stood for...really. I know text messaging is the new way of communicating with others, but I find myself wanting to correct the message and spell the words out fully instead of all those abbreviations. I have gotten with the times and know the language of texting much more now. I simply prefer to read messages where the words are spelled out and do not contain numbers and other shortcuts when reading them. Just Me!

5 Ideas for the Tastiest Meat You're Not Eating

Check out this Tasty Read ->5 Ideas for the Tastiest Meat You're Not Eating, Goodhousekeeping.com

Gallery | 2nd annual Essence Black Women in Music reception | accessatlanta.com

Nice honor for Janelle Monae ->Gallery | 2nd annual Essence Black Women in Music reception | accessatlanta.com

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Sweet Ideas for Class Valentine’s Day Parties

V-Day Fun ->Sweet Ideas for Class Valentine’s Day Parties, PBS.org

Gallery | Museums feature high-style exhibits | accessatlanta.com

I like the shoes ->Gallery | Museums feature high-style exhibits | accessatlanta.com

First Year Anniversary ->My Blog

I can't believe my blog is celebrating it's first year anniversary today. It was on this date that I finally pressed 'publish post' and it's been full steam ahead. Congratulations!

Let me start out by saying this blog has been the most exciting writing experience. I began with one follower, my brother. You have to love your family for their support and encouragement. I now have 15 followers on my blog and I appreciate all of you especially your comments to my posts. The main themes around my blog have been budgeting, organizing, and healthy topics. Along the way, I started to post interesting stories from around the internet, photo galleries, music, food, and many other topics that I found to be good reads. I hope you have enjoyed them as well.

I have met so many other bloggers on this first year journey and their friendships have been very nice. I look forward to continuing to write and post content that my readers will find informative, useful, and most of all fun. My blog audience spans many countries not only in the United States, but Denmark, UK, Australia, Canada, Sweden, Germany, Slovenia, and Italy to name a few.

Thanks everyone for making my first year a sweet success!

Monday, February 7, 2011

B.o.B. serves as Delta's in-flight entertainment

Watch Video ->B.o.B. serves as Delta's in-flight entertainment, ajc.com

R&B Crooner John Legend to Join Sade on US Tour - Singersroom.com

This will be a Fabulous Tour ->R&B Crooner John Legend to Join Sade on US Tour - Singersroom.com

Have a Super Week

The Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl last night and the team played very well. I was cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers to win, Oh well! The game was just what I was hoping for with good competitiveness. I was a bit disappointed in the halftime show performance by the Black Eyed Peas mainly due to the poor sound quality. I was checking in on Twitter during the show and lots of people commented about the same thing. The Super Bowl commercials are still generating lots of buzz. I got the chance to see the little boy dressed as Darth Vader in the commercial for Volkswagen on the Today show this morning. He's just too cute and I know we will see him in plenty more ads.

Have a Super Week in all that you do with work, family, and other commitments. Keep smiling and others will smile back, like me :-)

Gallery | Super Bowl ads 2011 | accessatlanta.com

My Fave is Picture #1 ->Gallery | Super Bowl ads 2011 | accessatlanta.com

Sunday, February 6, 2011

It's the Best ->Whitney Houston singing the Star Spangled Banner!

Gallery | Katy Perry promotes new perfume | accessatlanta.com

"Purr" ->Gallery | Katy Perry promotes new perfume | accessatlanta.com

Gallery | The 2011 Pro Football Hall of Fame class | ajc.com

Congrats Guys ->Gallery | The 2011 Pro Football Hall of Fame class | ajc.com

Super Bowl Sunday

It's Super Bowl Sunday with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers playing for the title today. The weather in Atlanta is pretty Super with lots of sunshine and expected temps near 60. I hope you have big plans for watching the game with family & friends on a big screen tv. Is anyone hosting the game at their home? I bet the food, munchies and sweets will be delightful and yummy!

I am hoping for a competitive game and not a blow out. I can't wait for the commercials and have already watched a few on the internet. My fave is the little kid in the Darth Vader costume going around the house trying to get stuff to move or do something fantastic. I probably gave too much away, but look out for this one.

Have Super fun cheering on your team. Always remember to celebrate responsibly and plan to have a designated driver. Cheers!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Street Chic: Milan

I Like this Chic Look ->Street Chic: Milan, Elle.com

Brandy - I Don't Want 2 Throw It All Away - Singersroom Media Player

Nice Track, Listen to It ->Brandy - I Don't Want 2 Throw It All Away - Singersroom Media Player

"Justin Bieber: Never Say Never" Screening

Cool Pics ->"Justin Bieber: Never Say Never" Screening, ajc.com

Healthy Eating ->Fruits & Veggies

A good way to add more fruits and veggies into your daily life and that of your family is to make them easier to eat. Here's what I mean:

Take time to slice up fruits such as apples and pears. Also, peel and/or quarter oranges. Place them in a bowl or baggie inside the refrigerator to make it easier to grab and go. For veggies like carrots and celery, spend time making thinner slices of them instead of the huge piece that is a bit more harder to eat and not very attractive if you snack at your work station.

I am not a huge fan of paying more at the grocery store for the fruits and veggies that are already cut up and ready to go. Yeah I know it's so convenient, but it really does not take that much time to slice and place in containers yourself. Here's an idea ->Use the weekend to get your fruits and veggies ready to eat over several days. Ask the family to help, but be careful of the slicing part for safety reasons. Assign them the task of washing the fruits and veggies or placing them inside the baggies or bowl. It's wise to stick to the fruits and veggies your family really likes. If they are not eating certain ones, they will only go to waste and that's throwing money down the drain.

Be ready to get your dose of Vitamin C, fiber, beta carotene, and more by eating more fruits and veggies that are ready to eat all done by you. Good Luck to an even more healthier You!